Teenage Kicks®

40th anniversary of 'Murmur'

by Jessica Paxton

April 15, 2023

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'Murmur' is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on April 12, 1983. It was produced by Mitch Easter, .
'Murmur' is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on April 12, 1983. It was produced by Mitch Easter, .I.R.S. Records

This week, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the debut full-length album from the alternative rock four-piece that put Athens, Georgia, on the map for music lovers around the world. R.E.M. released Murmur on April 12, 1983 (on the heels of their five-track EP “Chronic Town,” released in August 1982). Produced by Don Dixon and Mitch Easter (credited with being at the forefront of the “jangle pop” movement in music in the early 80s), Murmur quickly drew critical acclaim for its unusual sound, defined by lead singer Michael Stipe’s cryptic lyrics, guitarist Peter Buck’s jangly guitar style, and bass guitarist Mike Mills’ melodic bass lines.

Mitch Easter - web crop
'Murmur' producer Mitch Easter
provided photo
Listen: "Murmur" producer Mitch Easter describes meeting R.E.M.
Listen: Mitch Easter reflects on R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe's singing style
Listen: Mitch Easter talks about the legacy of R.E.M.
The Current
The Current explores the Athens, Georgia, music scene (2017)

Program playlist, hour 1

Program playlist, hour 2